Key Idiomas

Here are a few photos of my school - Key Idiomas. It's a language academy in Sevilla Este, about a thirty minute bus ride from where I live. There are some pictures from the two classrooms I use as well. It's certainly different than Crawford, but I love it!

Mercadillo de los Jueves (AKA "The Bum Market")

No visit to Seville is complete without a walk through Mercadillo de los Jueves (the Thursday market). You will find it mentioned in most guide books as an antique market . . . it may have started that way, but it has certainly evolved over time! I have never seen such a selection of items and people in one place. You can find everything from chandelier pieces (my personal favorite) to phone chargers from 1980. It also seems to be a bit of a party for the Seville homeless population! You will often see much more flesh than you might like, as well as experience some unusual smells . . . You can tell it was a successful day when empty liters of Cruz Campo, old shirts, and mismatched shoes line the street! This is a market that some will love (Liz Upton?!) and others will not really enjoy (me!). Regardless, it's worth seeing!

revolvers and chandeliers anyone?

a little bit of everything . . .

chandelier pieces - my favorite!

beautiful old tiles

Another reason why I love Spain!

*Everyone says "hasta luego" when getting out of the elevator. It doesn't sound like a big deal, but it's definitely different than elevator experiences at home, which are usually deadly silent. I love it!

*The old men! Whether it's one doing a little Sevilla shuffle or calling "Que guapa!" from their car window, I think they are fantastic. My favorite moment so far is when I was trying to fix my bike seat and an old man came up (saying "Que guapa!" of course), pounded my seat into place, and sent me on my way with a "hasta luego." I love Sevilla!

Planning to spend some time in Seville?

Here are some things I think you should know . . . Expect a more detailed list and itinerary before your arrival! (You know how much I love planning :)

• Most stores and restaurants close down during siesta (approximately 4:00-8:00) and on Sundays – be prepared!

• Alimentacions/Chinos = the convenient stores that literally have anything you might need AND stay open during siesta and on Sundays!

• Meal times are drastically different than the US. Plan to have breakfast around 10:00, lunch around 2:30, and dinner around 10:30!

• tapas = small plates, media raciones = half rations, raciones = full rations. If you just want to try something or don’t want too much, order a tapa. If you know you love it, go for a bigger serving.

• tinto de verano = red wine and lemon fanta (delicious and refreshing!)

• Tapas I recommend include: queso de cabra (goat’s cheese, usually baked), patatas bravas (fried potato wedges with a spicy cream sauce), ensalada atun (fresh veggies and tuna salad), queso manchego, croquettes (breaded cheese and meat) – there’s just so many!

• Jamon Serrano (cured ham) is a specialty here. I don’t love it because it’s a bit chewy, but if you’re a fan of meat, definitely try it!

• Spanish in Spain is definitely different than the Spanish I learned in Central and South America. Andalucian Spanish is usually very fast and sounds are dropped out completely! (For example, gracia for gracias, buen dia for buenas dias, etc.) You will also hear vale all the time. It basically means “ok.”

• Make sure you know some basic Spanish phrases before visiting. It’s been a tad embarrassing to hear Americans just saying things in a louder voice when their English isn’t understood!

• Bathrooms are usually called “aseos” or “servicios” here instead of “banos.” (Donde esta los servicios?)

• Fashion is pretty important here – men and women are dressed so well all the time! Don’t plan on wearing sweats and t-shirts around town unless you really want to look like a tourist.

• Since smoking is a big part of the culture and is allowed everywhere, be prepared! I suggest bringing febreeze or the equivalent for clothing.

• Tipping is not expected at all.
  
  
• Finally, be ready for a great time! The lifestyle here is focused around spending time with friends and family over drinks and tapas. You will see people out at all hours – it makes you feel like you’re on vacation all the time! Staying out until 6am isn’t unusual at all . . . Can’t wait to show you around the town!